Kaizer Chiefs are upping their preparations before the start of the 2025-2026 Betway Premiership season, and there’s some good news.
Rushwin Dortley is nearing a return to action
The 23-year-old central defender underwent knee surgery in March.
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Dortley nears full fitness for Kaizer Chiefs
The first half of the campaign was one to forget for Chiefs. Rushwin Dortley, however, was one of the true bright sparks of a season threatening to peter out into nothing. The 23-year-old central defender from Cape Town immediately looked assured and at home in big matches for Chiefs, and indeed South Africa. Losing Dortley in March was a massive blow as the youngster needed surgery. We could see him back in action near the start of the 2025-2026 campaign. That would feel like a new signing for the fans. Dortley quickly became a key pillar in the defence, making 21 appearances across all competitions before being struck down. The technical team will need to be cautious when they reintroduce him to the fold after such a lengthy layoff, but it’s undoubtedly a huge plus to see him on the comeback trail.
What did Kaizer Chiefs say?
“Rushwin Dortley is running around a pitch, which is nearly empty – well, except for physiotherapist Phumzile Ngobese, who is monitoring the defender’s run closely,” Amakhosi announced on 15 July.
“The Amakhosi squad is training at another field of the Dutch amateur side WWNA in Wenum-Wiesell, which is basically next to Kaizer Chiefs’ hotel in Apeldoorn. Dortley is partly jogging; at other times, he increases his pace.”
Chiefs signings
- Ethan Chislett
- Nkanyiso Shinga
- Flavio Silva
- Thabiso Monyane
- Paseka Mako
- Siphesihle Ndlovu
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Will Dortley go straight back into the side when he’s fit?
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